The roles and contribution of women in Samoa policing were highlighted during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations on Tuesday this week. 

The Samoa Police Prisons and Correctional Services (S.P.P.C.) celebrated the I.W.D. through various initiatives held across all Police units and outposts in Samoa with the theme of the celebrations revolving around "breaking the bias for a more inclusive world."

The activities were organised in partnership with the Samoa Police Women’s Advisory Network.

The newly appointed President of the S.P.W.A.N. committee, Detective Inspector Aldora Mamaia said they wanted to decentralise the event and take a more inclusive approach by encouraging more active participation.

According to Detective Inspector Mamaia, they also wanted more open discussion between male and female staff about the meaning of International Women's Day to the organisation. 

“In previous years International Women's Day was held here at the Command Post which would mean only a small portion of the organisation’s women staff would be able to attend,” said Detective Inspector Mamaia.

“This year in light of the break the bias theme S.P.W.A.N. wanted to share and give out the opportunity to each unit and the staff at each post to co-ordinate their own event and hear from more women about their stories.”

From Aleipata to Falealupo, Police outposts celebrated International Women's Day 2022 by decorating their workplace, hold dance performances and convene informal forums inviting the most senior women at each unit or post to present on this year’s topic.

A significant part of this year’s celebration was recognising the important role of men in achieving gender equality within the organisation. 

Instead of the traditional presentation of International Women's Day t-shirts to women in the Police force, this year the t-shirts were presented to a male officer in charge of each section/outpost, in recognition of the ‘male champions’ who helped to support women and advance gender equality in the organisation.

The Acting Police Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti thanked the male Police staff for their contribution in helping to drive and support cultural change within the organisation which would empower women to succeed.  

“I would very much like to take this opportunity as the acting commissioner to acknowledge all the support of the men,” Papalii said during an informal ceremony held by the executive management unit to mark the day.

“I strongly believe that if we don’t have the support of men, the changes would not have occurred and I am certain that with a lot more things that need to be changed.

“We continue to seek your support with all the initiatives that we are aiming to do this year to really enhance the contribution of women in the Samoa police.”

Deputy Police Commissioner, Auapa’au Logotino Filipo congratulated his female colleagues in the executive management team for their achievements and acknowledged how far all women in the police force have come since he started out in the organisation.

“When I joined the police force 22 years ago, there were only two female recruits in my class and they are no longer here,” said Auapa’au.

“In those days, there were only four women working in the entire police department so to go from less than 20 women to now 22 per cent of women making up our police force is an amazing achievement.

“I want to congratulate the executive team members for breaking that glass ceiling and becoming supervisors.”

Auapa’au also acknowledged the Australian Federal Police who brought in many female advisors which played a part in changing mindsets within the Samoa Police Services.

“Thank you for that and with what we have achieved so far; I say to the Samoa Police Women congratulations and happy International Women’s Day!”